DOVER, Del.—Nike Franco N and Lightning Mach N, a pair of New Zealand ex-patriots, turned in impressive harness racing victories in feature paces while driver Yannick Gingras, trainer Josh Green teamed for four victories with owner Rich Lombardo joining them in the winner's circle three times each to highlight Tuesday, Nov. 1 racing at Dover Downs.
Tim Tetrick bidded his time driving Nike Franco N in the $20,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap pace before taking the American-sired McArdle-Nearea Franco six-year-old to the outside from sixth and overpowered her seven rivals for a 1:51.2 score in the feature for trainer Jim King and owner Rich Pollucci. Empress Deo (Allan Davis) got up for second in front of Nat A Virgin (Corey Callahan). The win is the second since crossing the Pacific. On both continents, the high-class mare has earned $110,429 this year and $340,243 lifetime.
Lightning Mach N was equally impressive driven by Yannick Gingras in her 1:51.1 conquest in a $13,500 3,4&5-Year-Old Filly and Mare pace. Enhance Your Mind O (Vic Kirby) was runner-up with Art Of Dancing (Art Stafford Jr.) third.
Tony Morgan guided Dave Banks and Layfield Horses' OnYour Six to her third win in four starts recording a 1:52 lifetime best in the $15,500 event for young females. Richard Lewis conditions the sophomore daughter of Yankee Cruiser-Armbro Winter to her fourth win of the season. Terror At Night (Jim Morand) led early and finished second. Girlofyourdreams (Tetrick) was third.
Sayulita was a 13-1 winner for Corey Callahan. The Somebeachsomewhere three-year-old was the first of two wins for trainer Lewis and owners Banks and Layfield Horses. Hostess Lisa (Morgan) and Annabeth (Stafford Jr.) finished second and third respectively.
In a $10,500 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund freshman preview, Logan's Girl won in personal best time of 1:54.4 for driver Vic Kirby, trainer Jim King and owner JoAnn Looney King. It was the Roddy's Bags Again-All Italian filly's fifth win in six starts. She's No Spinster (A.Davis) was second. Westwind Roddylee (Morgan) third.
Allan Davis had a driving triple.
Wednesday is trot day at Dover Downs. Maestro Blue Chip and Theresademoninme drew outside posts in the $20,000 Open Handicap trot feature. Four lucrative Matron two-year-old finals head Thursday racing.
Weekday post time for Monday through Thursday racing is 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday are dark days. Sundays in November, racing begins a 5:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Reservations are suggested for the Winner's Circle Restaurant acclaimed Buffet and for the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.
Marv Bachrad